What is the Player of the Match award?
It is the official prize for the standout performer in each World Cup game, named after the final whistle.
The award is sponsored by beer brand Michelob ULTRA, which is why its full title is the “Superior Player of the Match.”
Each winner receives a silver trophy and poses with it for official FIFA and sponsor photos. FIFA provides an alternative backdrop without alcohol branding for players who cannot be associated with a beer brand, according to The Mirror.
How to vote
Fans choose the winner through an online poll for every match.
You can cast your vote on the official FIFA Player of the Match page while the game is live and shortly after the final whistle.
The award goes to the player judged to have made the biggest impact on the result.
It is separate from the adidas Golden Ball, which recognises the best player of the whole tournament.
The most recent Player of the Match winners
The latest winners were named on Wednesday, 15 July, after the semi-finals, per FIFA.
| Player | Country | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | Argentina 2-1 England |
The previous day, Tuesday, 14 July, produced 1 more semi-final winner:
| Player | Country | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Porro | Spain | Spain 2-0 France |
Big names to win the award include Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan on 23 June, and Lionel Messi, a five-time winner across Argentina’s victories over Algeria, Austria, Cabo Verde, Egypt and England.
Heading to the World Cup?
Matches run until the final on 19 July, so there is still time to catch games in person. Host cities are spread across three countries, with the showpiece at New York New Jersey Stadium.
You can compare fares to the main hubs and check schedules before you book:
- Flights to New York — host of the final on 19 July
- Flights to Los Angeles and Dallas — major US match hubs
- Vancouver and Toronto — Canada’s host cities
- Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey — Mexico’s venues
You can also track live status for any flight on the Wego flight tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides the Player of the Match?
Fans do, through an online poll for each game. You vote on the official FIFA Player of the Match page during and just after the match.
Why is it called the “Superior” Player of the Match?
The award is sponsored by beer brand Michelob ULTRA, whose tagline gives it the “Superior” name. It is the same award fans commonly call Man of the Match.
How many Player of the Match awards are there?
There will be 104 in total, one for every game of the tournament. The last will be named after the final on 19 July.
Sources
- FIFA — Superior Player of the Match: every winner
- FIFA — Official Player of the Match voting page
- FIFA — FIFA World Cup 2026 official tournament site
- The Mirror — FIFA’s alternative non-alcohol award backdrop
- FIFA — World Cup 2026 standings, results and fixtures
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